Palm Springs Preservation Foundation

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Palm Springs Preservation Foundation
Formation1997
TypeNonprofit
Legal status501(c)(3)
HeadquartersPalm Springs, California
Region served
Palm Springs and Coachella Valley, California
President
Gary Johns
WebsiteOfficial Website

Palm Springs Preservation Foundation (PSPF) is a nonprofit organization based in Palm Springs, California, focused on the preservation of the region's historic architecture and cultural resources. The foundation advocates for the preservation of mid-century modern architecture in Palm Springs and the broader Coachella Valley.[1][2]

History

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The organization was established in 1997 under the name Palm Springs Historic Site Foundation.[3][4] It later adopted the name Palm Springs Preservation Foundation as its activities expanded to include educational programming and publications.[4]

In 2023, the foundation received a Governor's Historic Preservation Award from the State of California for its advocacy, educational programming, and publications related to historic preservation in Palm Springs.[5][6]

Programs

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Advocacy and preservation

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PSPF has been involved in efforts to secure recognition and protection for historic buildings and neighborhoods in Palm Springs.[5] The foundation has sponsored or supported several nominations before the city's Historic Site Preservation Board and City Council.[7]

Among the sites associated with its advocacy are the Town & Country Center, a 1948 complex designed by Paul R. Williams and A. Quincy Jones,[5][8][9] and Tahquitz Plaza, an office complex designed by Hugh M. Kaptur that was designated a Class 1 Historic Site in 2015.[5][9][10] The foundation has also supported the designation of residential historic districts, including the Villa Roma condominium complex, which was recognized as a Class 1 Historic District in 2023.[9][11]

Aluminaire House

The foundation has been associated with preservation efforts involving several other local sites. These include the Aluminaire House, a 1931 prefabricated residence by Albert Frey and Lawrence Kocher that was relocated to the Palm Springs Art Museum in 2024[12]; the Canyon Country Club Colony, a residential development noted for its architectural character;[13] and the Palm Springs Financial District, where historic designation was extended to postwar commercial buildings.[14] PSPF has also featured the demolished Maslon House, designed by Richard Neutra in 1962, in its public programming and educational materials.[15]

Education and outreach

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PSPF organizes lectures, tours, and other programs on architectural history and preservation. The foundation has produced public service videos and has partnered with local museums on exhibitions.[16] Modernism Week, an independent nonprofit festival devoted to mid-century design and architecture,[17] was co-founded with the involvement of PSPF, which continues to contribute programming.[18] During Modernism Week, PSPF has presented free talks and guided home tours, including the recurring program Lost, Saved and Endangered: Modernist Architecture in Palm Springs.[19] Local media have noted PSPF's role in Modernism Week, describing its programs as part of the festival's growth and visibility.[20][21]

Publications

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The foundation operates a publishing program that produces books and journals on Palm Springs architecture and design.[3] Its publications have included architects such as William F. Cody,[22] E. Stewart Williams,[23] Herbert W. Burns,[24] Hugh M. Kaptur,[25] as well as developers including the Alexander Construction Company.[26] The program has also published works on broader themes, including Spanish Colonial Revival and Polynesian-inspired architecture.[3][15] PSPF's publishing program has been recognized by preservation and design organizations including awards from the Independent Publisher Book Awards.[27][28]

Local preservation organizations

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Palm Springs has several other organizations involved in historic preservation. The city's Historic Site Preservation Board, created in 1981, reviews and recommends site and district designations.[29] The Palm Springs Modern Committee, founded in 1999, is a nonprofit focused on Desert Modern architecture.[30] The Palm Springs Historical Society, established in 1955, operates museums and maintains archives on the city's broader history.[31]

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References

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  1. ^ "Palm Springs Preservation Foundation". Desert Charities. Retrieved 2025-08-24.
  2. ^ Barkas, Sherry (2022-06-03). "Palm Springs Preservation Foundation helps keep midcentury style alive". The Desert Sun. Retrieved 2025-08-24.
  3. ^ a b c Nauta, Madison (2018-04-05). "Preservation Talks: Atomic Ranch + Palm Springs' 5 Preservation Foundations". Atomic Ranch. Retrieved 2025-08-24.
  4. ^ a b Williams, Steven (2021-04-01). "The people who made Palm Springs". Palm Springs Life. Retrieved 2025-08-24.
  5. ^ a b c d "2023 Governor's Historic Preservation Awards" (PDF). California Office of Historic Preservation. 2023-11-15. Retrieved 2025-08-24.
  6. ^ Parks, California State. "2023 Governor's Historic Preservation Awards Honors Six Recipients for Preserving the State's Diverse Heritage". California State Parks. Retrieved 2025-08-24.
  7. ^ "Historic Site Preservation Board - Agenda". City of Palm Springs. 2019-04-09. Retrieved 2025-08-25.
  8. ^ "The Town & Country Center: Preservation debate continues". Palm Springs Life. 2016-01-01. Retrieved 2025-08-24.
  9. ^ a b c "List of Class 1 Historic, Class 2 Historic & Historic Districts". City of Palm Springs. 2024-11-13. Retrieved 2025-08-25.
  10. ^ Day, Julius (2015-06-02). "Tahquitz Plaza receives historic status nomination". The Desert Sun. Retrieved 2025-08-24.
  11. ^ White, Mark (2023-10-15). "Villa Roma community celebrates historic district status". The Palm Springs Post. Retrieved 2025-08-24.
  12. ^ Gravett, Paul (2021-11-10). "How the historic Aluminaire House was rebuilt at Palm Springs Art Museum". Palm Springs Life. Retrieved 2025-08-24.
  13. ^ Gravett, Paul (2021-04-15). "Book highlights history of Canyon Country Club Colony in Palm Springs". Palm Springs Life. Retrieved 2025-08-24.
  14. ^ Lewis, Greg (2023-09-18). "Palm Springs Financial District landmark recommended for historic status". The Palm Springs Post. Retrieved 2025-08-24.
  15. ^ a b Gravett, Paul (2021-03-15). "A documentary, book launch and design collaborations celebrate midcentury architecture". Palm Springs Life. Retrieved 2025-08-24.
  16. ^ "Modernism Week – PSPF Programs". M Weekly. 2024-02-01. Retrieved 2025-08-24.
  17. ^ "Modernism Week Attendance Increases by 20% - 152,000 Attendees Participated". DCN News. 2019-03-08. Retrieved 2025-08-27.
  18. ^ Arkin, Michael (2023-10-06). "How Modernism Week Started in Palm Springs: An Oral History". Palm Springs Life. Retrieved 2025-08-27.
  19. ^ Meierhoffer, Linda (2013-01-31). "Palm Springs Modern Architecture Renovation Restoration Conservation". Palm Springs Life. Retrieved 2025-08-24.
  20. ^ Barkas, Sherry (2022-06-03). "Palm Springs Preservation Foundation helps keep midcentury style alive". The Desert Sun. Retrieved 2025-08-24.
  21. ^ White, Mark (2023-02-12). "Q&A with Palm Springs native and Modernism Week CEO Lisa Middleton". The Desert Mag. Retrieved 2025-08-24.
  22. ^ "The Desert Maverick: William F. Cody, FAIA – Modern, Architecture, Design, Experiences". M Weekly. 2025-07-15. Retrieved 2025-08-24.
  23. ^ Williams, Sidney (2014-10-31). "Palm Springs Midcentury Modern Architecture E. Stewart Williams architect". Palm Springs Life. Retrieved 2025-08-24.
  24. ^ "Palm Springs pays homage to architect Herbert W Burns". Wallpaper*. 2018-03-21. Retrieved 2025-08-24.
  25. ^ Powers, Jim (2021-07-20). "Book That Pays Tribute to Architect Hugh Kaptur Receives Award". Palm Springs Life. Retrieved 2025-08-24.
  26. ^ Us, Kimberly (2021-02-23). "Look at That One! Mid-Century Modern Homes in Palm Springs". Curious. Retrieved 2025-08-26.
  27. ^ Roberts, Allison (2025-05-28). "2025 Medalists | Categories 1-34". Independent Publisher Book Awards. Retrieved 2025-08-24.
  28. ^ Roberts, Allison (2023-10-02). "2023 Medalists". Independent Publisher Book Awards. Retrieved 2025-08-24.
  29. ^ "Historic Site Preservation Board (HSPB)". City of Palm Springs. Retrieved 2025-08-26.
  30. ^ "Palm Springs Modern Committee". Desert Charities. Retrieved 2025-08-26.
  31. ^ "Palm Springs Historical Society". visitpalmsprings.com. Retrieved 2025-08-27.